Local Man Uses Golf Cart To Save On Gas

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio—The task you probably use your car for most is driving to and from work.

But NBC 4’s Marshall McPeek found a man in Circleville who has made his driving all about green.

Marvin Valentine used to ride his bike around town. But then he saw street-legal electric golf carts on vacation and convinced the Circleville City Council to allow them in his neighborhood.

“It does everything and more than I thought it would do, really,“ Valentine said. “We can cruise along pretty good—20 miles per hour. This is a 25 mph speed zone.“

The carts have to have a windshield, brake lights, head lights and turn signals.

Valentine added seat belts to his golf cart for a little extra safety.

The golf cart has to pass inspection and insurance is required.

Valentine said he feels safer in the cart than on a bike.

“I’m not dependent on oil. I have a pollution-free vehicle and the energy that I do use is made in the United States,“ Valentine said.

Valentine said the cart can travel 50 miles on a single $1.50 charge, saying he uses his cart mostly for errands.

For the winter, drivers can get a header and a cover.

A new cart will cost between $1,500 and $2,000—approximately the same as a new scooter.